EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) _ New England wide receiver Wes Welker was inactive for the Patriots' game against the New York Jets on Sunday because of a knee injury.

With Welker sidelined, Tom Brady will be without one of his favorite targets. Welker had 12 catches for 93 yards in the season-opening 25-24 victory over Buffalo on Monday night.

Welker was listed as questionable on the Patriots' injury report Friday after being limited all week, but was expected to play against the Jets. He was limited in practice before the game against the Bills, but was able to play. Joey Galloway was expected to see an increased role in Welker's absence.

Linebacker Jerod Mayo was also inactive with a sprained medial collateral ligament that is expected to sideline him up to eight weeks. Also inactive for New England were wide receiver Matthew Slater, cornerback Terrance Wheatley, tight end Michael Matthews, and offensive linemen Dan Connolly, Rich Ohrnberger and Kendall Simmons.

Defensive end Shaun Ellis returned from a one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Rookie running back Shonn Greene (ribs) was also active after sitting out last week against Houston.